KOCHI: A leopard was found dead after being caught in a trap set up at Kannimangalam near Malayattoor. Forest sleuths said that the leopard died due to fatigue caused by dehydration.

The animal was found with a cable loop around its torso in a private property on the forest fringes by rubber tapping workers.

On an alert, the assistance of a veterinarian was immediately arranged, though to no avail.

The officials said that the leopard seemed to be at least five years old. A probe has begun to find out who laid the trap, apparently set up to catch wild boars.

The officials said that the animal would be buried at Kodanad as per the protocol of the National Tiger Conservation wing, which stipulates a post-mortem in the presence of two scientists and veterinarians each, in addition to the local body member.